Trojans clinch share of league title

By Ed Niser, eniser@nashobapub.com

Posted:
02/15/2013 07:38:35 AM EST

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HARVARD -- It was the first time the Lady Trojans had played on their home floor since Montana Burke knocked down her 1,000th point at Tahanto. Burke was presented with a 1,000 point ball by her best friend and teammate, fellow senior Casey Magrath (10 points) prior to Bromfield's league game with Murdock. In fitting fashion, Magrath found Burke in the corner for a three-point basket 30 seconds in, just like they have done many times before.

"Our flow was a lot better having our senior captain back," said Bromfield head coach Mike Dube on the return of Burke. "She is just another kid on the court that has a calming effect out there for us. The kids knew before the game with a win they would secure a spot as at least a co-league champ."

Burke had a game-high 18 points, including three three-pointers. The Lady Trojans, with their 60-33 win over the Blue Devils and a Littleton loss to West Boylston earlier in the night, clinched a share of the Mid-Wach D league title.

Junior post player Suzanne Ross had a monster night on the glass, securing 22 rebounds and scoring 14 points in a double-double effort.

Bromfield put the Blue Devils on the defensive early as they quickly jumped out to a 7-1 lead, spearheaded by baskets from Burke and Magrath. Autumn Brown would rattle home a three-point bomb from the top of the key to bring the Blue Devils within three, 7-4, with 4:10 remaining in the quarter.

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Murdock would be unable to draw any closer than that mark, as the deficit continued to mount, much like the snow totals last weekend. Magrath ignited the Lady Trojans with a great display of hustle and athleticism late in the quarter.

Magrath stripped the ball from Brown and drove coast to coast for a spectacular finish to put the Lady Trojans up 11-4. Bromfield took a 13-6 lead into the second quarter and quickly extended their lead. The second quarter was more of the same, with the Lady Trojans' offense depending on the rebounding of Ross and the finishing capabilities of Magrath.

Bromfield closed the half on a 15-2 run with a three-point buzzer beater heave by Burke to push the Lady Trojans' lead to 26-8 at the half.

Murdock started to gain a little bit of a momentum in the third quarter, with a three-point basket by Sara Vose with 4:02 remaining in the third quarter. Burke was on the receiving end of a precise dish from freshman Amanda Accorsi (6 points, 10 rebounds) and gracefully drove to the basket with a finger roll, to push the Lady Trojans' lead to 39-18. Murdock had a couple of bright spots in the corner when Autumn Brown flushed a three-point basket, but it was all for show, as the Blue Devils still trailed 43-25.

Bromfield's lead continued to increase as the fourth quarter pressed on. The Lady Trojans outscored the Blue Devils 17-8 in the quarter, while the reserves put in some quality minutes. Lindsey Kerr connected on a layup late in the quarter off a dime by Amy Hunter.

Bromfield has already secured their spot in the district tournament, but their opponent at this time is still unknown.

"Overall it was good as we are preparing for districts to get some younger kids good minutes," said Dube. "Ross had a great game for us tonight and Accorsi continues to get better. Overall it was a good effort for us."

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